chicago Picks Website  
  CHICAGO PICKS
  life + style in the Windy City
June 13th, 2008

Our Dad is kind of a mystery to us. It's sort of like he speaks Sports Talk Radio and we try to tune in, but it usually gets kinda static-y. He is religious about football. We like art. He likes big hunks of red meat, 44-ounce soft drinks and generic brands (specifically Kirkland's of Costco fame, which sells a wide array of products, from mascara to baby formula—kind of amazing really). We like fish, champagne, and designer names. Well, and maybe a few Kirkland products.

All differences aside though, he's a very cool old guy and we love him. He drove us to practice and cheered at our gamesfor years. When we chose the yearbook club over JV volleyball bench time, he encouraged our endeavors. While we don't exactly always agree on things, we do always share a laugh—especially over bad puns. Speaking of, did you hear about the guy who emailed ten puns to ten friends, in the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh? Unfortunately, no pun in ten did. Ha!
 
Want to make your own dad happy? Forward this issue of Chicago Picks to 5 friends and cc picks@chicagopicks.com for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to the newly opened and fabulously delicious Brazilian steakhouseTexas de Brazil.  It's a feast for the eyes and the stomach, and if your dad is anything like ours, we're sure he'll delight in a big, juicy meat-eating meal!

       
 

Chicago Picks:

 
  1

Eva Foreva

When it comes to cuttin' a rug, we've got it going on. We know the Samba, the Meringue and the Electric Slide. Karaoke crooning? We’ll belt out anything from Britney to Captain and Tennille with no shame. But painting a picture? Mere doodling? We've got nothing.

But what we lack in artistic talent we make up for in artistic appreciation. And luckily for us, Chicago is chock full of creative types who are happy to share the love. On our radar is artist-turned-designer Eva May, who speaks to our passions of art and fashion with her trademark line of handcrafted clothing and accessories. The Swedish native has set up shop in Andersonville and stocks her vibrant storefront with original bags, hats, scarves, and silk-screened tees. A seasoned traveler, Eva picks up fabrics from the world over, further ensuring that her pieces aren't your average assembly line, cookie-cutter commodities.

Our stick people might look like hieroglyphics, but thanks to Eva, we can keep that our little secret. Happily, our wardrobes will bear the mark of an artist.

Eva May
5643 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL 60660
773.907.0709  
www.evamay.com

       
  2

Bottles of Love

For better for worse, for richer for poorer—our dear friend vino has stuck with us through it all. From engagements and promotions to breakups and layoffs, there isn't an occasion that a glass of chianti doesn't complement.

Whether you need a bottle for a milestone or any old manic Monday, you're bound to meet the perfect match at Vrai Amour.  French for "true love," the shop aptly carries a plethora of reds and whites from the world over, making sure to stock options for every palate and budget. To couple with the grape goodness, you can pick up gourmet foods like Usinger's meats, Boar's Head cheeses, and baked goods from Red Hen Bread. Stop in on a Saturday and also learn a thing or two from father-son owners Dave and Matthew Somsky as they lead one of their educational, delish, and free wine tastings.

We've yet to earn our stripes as Master Sommeliers, but experience has enlightened us to the wonder and necessity of wine. With Vrai Amour in our lives, we're fully equipped for every celebration and challenge!

Vrai Amour
953 W. Webster Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773.549.9740
www.vraiamour.com

 

       
  3

Faves in the Hood  

As much as we love trying to new places (hello, we write for Chicago Picks!), some days we love nothing better than rolling out of bed, throwing on a hat (to cover our frightening tresses), and heading out to a neighborhood spot for a late brunch or an early dinner.  
 
ZK Food, a sort of second-coming of the space’s former tenant and previous neighborhood fave, Zoom Kitchen, serves up impossibly fresh foods. And while we’re meat-eaters through and through, we like to have options when it comes to dining out. ZK Food serves up regular meat portions but it also has killer Vegan and vegetarian options, so everyone we bring there is pleased as punch. The décor is also a treat. Work by local artists hangs on the walls—everything from paintings to photography to avant-garde homemade purses. And the modern wood walls and white flat-screens add a clean, homey vibe to ZK.  

Last time we went, they had a $5 special on mimosa concoctions—Pomosas (pomegranate and champagne). So decadent! And no shower required. 

ZK Food
1633 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
773.278.9600
www.zkfoodchicago.com

 

       
  Chick Picks:  
  1

The Lollipop Guild
 

We're getting older and more single by the day. Yet, admittedly, we find ourselves looking forward to mommyhood, and even that marriage thing.
 
Until then, we're cool with dating a few Mr. Right Now's, and spoiling cute kiddos in our life with really cute duds! Like Munchkin Designs' "Big Brothers Rock" or "Big Sisters Rock" tees. Drum up some excitement for a pending munchkin with these adorable, super-soft, fully customizable shirts. They're bound to make a big brother or big sister proud!  Save 10% on tee orders until June 30. Use discount code PICKS0608 at checkout.     
 
www.munchkindesigns.com

       
  2

Conspiracy Hoodie
 
Turtlenecks with sweatshirts. Shorts with long socks. Fanny packs and videocam carriers.     
 
Dads are usually pretty handy with home projects and firin' up the grill, but not always so knowledgeable when it comes to fashion. So what about snatching up a cool historical hoodie for good ol' Pops? If that's a little too fashion-forward for Dad, pick one up for yourself. Represent American pride and learn about the eerie conspiracy circling two of our most famous presidents!       
 
www.printliberation.com

       
  3

Pizza & Beer
 
As kids, we did everything we could to get a pizza. We even dominated the Book It! program until we earned several Personal Pans.   
  
We got a little older, and became interested in beer and boys. College ensued, and so did keg stands. So did 2 am Wagon Wheel pizza. They say that pizza can never be bad. They say that beer is proof God loves us. We say Tom Seefurth’s Mamma Mia Pizza Beer is totally brill. Order some for your dad! 
 
www.mammamiapizzabeer.com

       
  Cocktail of the Week!
 


Texas de Brazil’s

Caipirinha
 

3/4 of a fresh lime
1 1/2 oz. sugar cane syrup
Ice cubes (not crushed ice)
2 oz. Cachaca

  1. Prepare the sugar cane syrup: In a pot, mix 2 qt of sugar and 1 quart of water, stir with a spoon. Bring the mixture to the stove and allow it to boil for 2 or 3 minutes. Cool.
  2. Cut a fresh lime lengthwise. Split each half again. Using only 3 of the wedges (3/4 of a lime) cut each wedge in half. 
  3. Using a pestle, smash the lime and add exactly 1 1/2 oz. of sugar cane syrup. Remember that the lime has to be smashed only moments before preparing the Caipirinha.
  4. Fill the glass with ice cubes (crushed ice will make the Caipirinha watery) and fill it up with Cachaca (approximately 2 oz.) Shake well using a drink shaker and pour it back to the glass. Garnish and serve immediately. 
 
       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Not Your Average Father’s Day Brunch

Give your poppa the gift of yummy food and drink, at a price he'll appreciate. Dine outside on the patio or rooftop deck at Citizen Bar, and enjoy city views and sunny alfresco dining at this always posh River North spot. Dads eat for half price at their Mimosa brunch, featuring a choice of entree and three Mimosas! 
 
What: Father's Day Mimosa Brunch at Citizen Bar
When: Sunday, June 15, 11 am–3 pm 
Where: 364 W. Erie St.
Call: 312.640.1156 
Cost: $10 for dad; $20 for others
Visit: www.citizenbar.com

       
  2 Old Town Love
 
We know we sort of say festival-this and festival-that and you should go here, yada yada. But truly, we whole-heartedly love them. You're bound to learn or see something new and unusual, and Old Town Art Fest is one of The Very Best. It's
the country's oldest juried outdoor art fair, and features 260 invited artists. 
 
What: 59th Annual Old Town Art Festival
When: June 14 & 15, 10 am–6 pm
Where: 1763 N. North Park Ave. 
Call: 312.337.1938 
Cost: $5-7 
Visit: www.oldtowntriangle.com
       
  3

Cheers to Dad!

The trendy neighborhood spot Viet Bistro is offering delightful Dad's Day features. Top off a fabulously Dad-filled Father's Day with a complimentary martini and dessert at Viet Bistro, all the while enjoying this elegant and affordable foodie haven. Other specials include a free appetizer with purchase of wine and $5 select martinis.

What: Father's Day at Viet Bistro 
When: Sunday, June 15, 5–10:30 pm 
Where: 1346 W. Devon Ave. 
Call: 773.465.5720 
Visit: www.vietbistrochicago.com

       
  4

Chicago Knows Booze & Art

Say hello to Bye Bye Liver: The Chicago Drinking Play. Performing arts and booze—the best of both worlds. BBL delivers a series of comedy sketches interspersed with interactive audience participation. True to its name, the sketches are about shenanigans that ensue from a night on the town. With $8 buckets and $3 you-call-its, it would be economically irresponsible to not take advantage!        

What: Bye Bye Liver
When: Varying dates
Where: Chicago Center for Performing Arts, 777 N. Green St.
Call: 312.733.6000
Visit: www.byebyeliver.com

       
  Happy Father's Day, Dad! And thanks for reading Chicago Picks and helping spread the love to your officemates... very cool!
   
       
 

Log onto www.chicagopicks.com and check out past newsletters (archives). If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to log onto www.chicagopicks.com and become a free subscriber.

If you would like to subscribe or contribute, please email us at Contribute@chicagoPicks.com
Please share your favorite picks, announce a sample sale, refer a friend, subscribe, or let us know what you think.

Website and Newsletter maintained by Studio Ridge.com

Help or Report problems